Things aren't going so well over here in Northern Ireland, in regards to the laws now being passed by the UK Labour government. As you may already know, the government brought in same sex marriage laws - in all but name - last Christmas, despite a majority of people being opposed to the legislation. It was an early Christmas present from the government to the people of Northern Ireland. Well this Christmas we are getting another present from our friends in the Labour government, the Sexual Orientation laws which make it a criminal offence to make a person of a different sexual persuasion feel uncomfortable, or to withhold goods and services from them. The DUP party passed a motion in the Northern Ireland assembly, calling on the government to repeal its satanic legislation (for that's what it is), but unfortunately the vote ended in a tie and it looks like we are stuck with it.

Quote:"Sinn Fein equality spokeswoman Caitriona Ruane accused the DUP of "whipping up homophobic sentiment with the motion". "This motion is part of yesterday's agenda, part of the bad old days of the past," she said. "Move on - show leadership. Days of second-class citizenship and hiding our identities are gone."

It's not that we want sexual harassment, it's the way this law is worded that has Christian lawyers up in arms. Just like the Incitement to Religous Hatred Bill which the government failed to get passed at the start of the year, it's no longer "innocent until proven guilty". The burden of proof is placed on the accused, and not the accuser. This means that a homosexual or lesbian person need only accuse someone of subjecting them to a threatening environment. This could be a gospel text on a wall, a Christian bookstore selling books that teach homosexuality is wrong, or a Christian refusing board to a homosexual "couple" wanting to stay at their Bed & Breakfast. That's why the Christian Institute has decided to take the government to court.

Quote:""We're taking action to protect the many Christian people in Northern Ireland who will become victims of frivolous accusations if these regulations become law."

My aunt Pamela wrote to Prime Minister Blair about this legislation, but received a reply to the effect that we were getting this legislation whether we liked it or not. If you live in the United Kingdom, contact your MP and let them know you are not happy with this law.

2nd Samuel 23:3 The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.